Minnesota giving drops

Overall giving in Minnesota fell for the second straight year in 2002, but the state’s grantmakers increased their percentage of funds going to in-state nonprofits, a new report says.

Charitable giving totaled $4.18 billion in 2002, a drop of less than 1 percent from 2001, the Minnesota Council on Foundations says in its “Giving in Minnesota” report.

Contributions from individuals rose less than 1 percent to $3.28 billion in 2002, while foundation and corporate grant dollars fell by 5 percent to $893 million, greater than the national decline of 2 percent, the report says.

Health-related organizations saw the greatest jump in grant dollars, up 7 percent, while grants to arts groups saw the largest decline, down 22 percent.

The council attributes the drop in giving to the weak economy, which held foundation assets down, but expects to see a turnaround soon.